Minutes

Minutes of a meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 21 March 2002, at Romney House, Marsham Street, London, SW1.

Present

Members

• Toby Harris (Chair)
• Anthony Arbour
• Jennette Arnold
• Reshard Auladin
• Richard Barnes (Deputy Chair)
• John Biggs
• Cindy Butts
• Lynne Featherstone
• Nicky Gavron (items 1-5)
• Peter Herbert (Deputy Chair)
• Elizabeth Howlett
• Darren Johnson
• Jenny Jones (item 13 only)
• Nicholas Long
• Cecile Lothian
• R. David Muir (Items 1-4 and 8-13)
• Eric Ollerenshaw
• Sir John Quinton
• Richard Sumray
• Graham Tope (item 13 only)
• Abdal Ullah
• Rachel Whittaker

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Clerk)
• Peter Martin (Treasurer)
• Nick Baker (Committee Services)

MPS officers

• Sir John Stevens (Commissioner)
• Ian Blair (Deputy (Commissioner)
• Keith Luck (Director of Resources)
• Michael Fuller (Deputy Assistant Commissioner)
• Steve House (Deputy Assistant Commissioner)
• Bernard Hogan-Howe (Assistant Commissioner)
• Tim Godwin (Deputy Assistant Commissioner)

Also Present: Deputy Assistant Commissioner Barbara Wilding (item 13 only) Commander Steve Roberts

Approximately 95 members of the press/public and other MPA/MPS staff were also present.

Part 1

129. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

The Chair reported Jenny Jones and Graham Tope were attending a meeting at Buckingham Palace and had given their apologies, although they would attempt to join the meeting, time permitting. It was noted that Nicky Gavron would also be attending that same meeting and would be leaving the meeting early.

130. Minutes

(Agenda item 2)

Resolved that the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 28 February 2002 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

131. Minutes of committees

(Agenda item 3)

The Authority received the approved or draft minutes of the following committees:

• Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee: 21 February 2002
• Human Resources Committee: 7 March 2002
• Co-ordination and Urgency Committee: 12 January 2002

132. Chair’s, Members' and Clerk's updates

(Agenda item 4)

An update from the Chair and other Members was tabled at the meeting. The Chair highlighted his keenness for the MPA to establish a mechanism for involving the business community in the work of the Authority.

The Chair also gave the following statement to the Authority in relation to Police Conduct Regulations and Commander Brian Paddick.

‘On Monday 18 March 2002, and in accordance with the urgency procedure (Standing Order 11), the Clerk, Catherine Crawford, the Chair of the Professional Standards and Performance Monitoring Committee PSPM (Richard Sumray) and I met to discuss the appropriate action. I also spoke to the Commissioner. The following decisions were taken

• to invite an officer from an outside police service to investigate allegations that Brian Paddick had committed criminal offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1991 (s5(2) and s8) and was in breach of internal MPS guidelines relating to conduct with persons on bail;
• voluntarily to refer the investigation to the Police Complaints Authority to supervise; and
• not to suspend Brian Paddick from duty.

The decision on Brian Paddick’s deployment and whether he should remain in Lambeth, is a matter of internal management, and is for the Commissioner. However, I did advise Sir John that in view of the intense media focus on Brian Paddick it was difficult to see how he could in the short term effectively discharge his duties. He has been temporarily moved to work in TP: he has not been relieved of his command or replaced.

In the MPA press release I acknowledged the major contribution Brian Paddick was making to community confidence and the reduction of crime in Lambeth. I am happy to repeat that support for what he has achieved today, at this public meeting. I should record that figures for reported street crime in Lambeth fell by 1% in February. This takes the figures to their lowest level for a year to 888 offences committed in October 2001. Lambeth is also having further success in tackling burglary with 14% decrease from February 2001 to February 2002.

Finally, it is very important to emphasise that the Authority has a duty to consider and take the appropriate action in respect of any senior officer, if potentially serious allegations are made. The private or personal life of any such officer is not an issue. The investigation is specifically in respect of allegations about possible criminal offences and breach of internal guidelines. There were no other considerations.

A special meeting of PSPM has been convened today (21 March ) to discuss the case and determine the next steps, including considering the draft terms of reference for the investigating officer.’

133. Commissioner’s update

(Agenda item 5)

The Commissioner, Sir John Stevens, gave the Authority an update on the following developments and current issues:

Drugs strategy/Lambeth pilot

The Commissioner reported that a review of the MPS drugs policies was being carried out and that a new drugs strategy was being developed. The Commissioner confirmed that a final document would be presented to the Authority in May 2002 and that the strategy would take account any future Home Office decision on the reclassification of cannabis and the current Lambeth pilot.

The Commissioner also updated members on the Lambeth pilot, which was being overseen by DAC Fuller.

It was noted that two evaluations had been undertaken; by the MPS Consultancy Group, who had provided statistical analysis of the scheme’s impact and officer feedback; and by the independent Police Foundation, which had looked at community attitudes. The Commissioner added that a national survey was conducted to compare the national views of the scheme with the views of residents in Lambeth.

The Police Foundation main findings included: 83% of residents in Lambeth supported the scheme (36% outright 47% conditionally); 78% of residents supported warnings for possession; and it was noted that a higher percentage of white, rather than black or Asian residents supported the scheme.

The MPS Consultancy Group evaluation had shown that officers’ time saved in completing arrest formalities and associated court case documentation can be put to more crime fighting use.

During the 6 months evaluation of the scheme 450 warnings had been issued and that 1350 hours of officers’ time, the equivalent of 1.8 full time officers per day, had been saved. A further 1150 hours of CJU staff time had also been saved. The Commissioner made the comparison with the same 6 months in 2000 where officers recorded 35% more cannabis possession offences and 11% more trafficking offences.

It was noted that further analysis on the two surveys would be undertaken and would look at the potential impact for the rest of London. It would also look at how officer time saved through the pilot can be used effectively and taking into account the public views and perception of the scheme. The Commissioner confirmed that the scheme would continue in Lambeth.

While supporting the pilot, some members raised concerns that many people were unclear that the pilot was only operational in Lambeth and that this message needed to be highlighted. Members also suggested to ease this confusion there needed to be clear indication of how long the pilot would continue.

Operation Safer Streets

The Commissioner updated members on operation safer streets that had been operating originally in 9 boroughs and which was now operating in 15.

The Commissioner gave details of the results as at the end of week 6, with regard to street crime allegations, detection rates, re-offending and case tracking. The Commissioner also highlighted the sustainability of the operation, which while being successful was labour intensive. It was noted that a sustainability plan was being drawn up and that the operation was intended to continue beyond 31 March 2002 and that additional funding bids had been submitted to the Home Office.

Whilst acknowledging the success of the operation, members highlighted the need for investment in young people, particularly through the youth service, education, further education and information technology and for local authorities to play a more proactive role supporting young people. Members suggested that there was an urgent need for other agencies to work more closely together, in engaging young people and preventative work.

Arising from the discussion members also requested that the lessons learnt from the 15 boroughs included in the operation be disseminated to other boroughs and acknowledged that it was important for young people to be listened to. The Chair suggested that the MPA needed to establish a suitable forum for listening to young people.

Operation Trident

The Commissioner updated members on Operation Trident, including details on recent incidents including; shootings, arrests, and drugs and firearms seizures. Members were also given details of joint operations with HM Customs and Excise and the continuing co-operation of the Jamaican authorities.

Recruitment and retention

The Commissioner gave members the following recruitment and retention details as at the end of February 2002:

• Police officer strength was 26,664 (full time equivalents) an increase of 1,234 (VEM 4.68% females 16.1%).
• Since April 2,501 candidates had joined the MPS (Including 500 female officers and 245 VEMs)
• Since April 142 officers had transferred from other police services to the MPS and 55 had re joined. Since April 1,509 had left the MPS.
• The Commissioner reported that there was an increase in civil staff and that he acknowledged that further work was required on improving the 16.1% intake of female officers.

Members requested that their congratulations be given to those involved in the recruitment and retention of officers and civil staff and to those staff at the training centre.

134. Policing and performance plan 2002/03

(Agenda item 6)

The Authority considered a report that sought approval to the MPA policing and performance plan for 2002/03 and in particular the priorities, objectives, measures and targets. The plan now incorporated those issues raised at the meeting of the Authority in February.

Arising from the discussion it was agreed that a baseline figure on police officer time spent at station and on the beat need to be developed.

Several members suggested that the targets were not challenging enough and therefore could not support the recommendations outlined in the report.

Resolved – (with Anthony Arbour, Richard Barnes, Elizabeth Howlett and Eric Ollerenshaw asking that their dissent from to the recommendations be recorded) That

1. Members noted and approved the responses, further information provided, and changes to measures and targets, in respect of the issues raised at the full Authority meeting in February;
2. Members approve the Policing and Performance Plan at Appendix 3 of the report; and
3. Members agree to delegate final approval of the plan’s format and presentation to the Clerk.

135. Royal Parks Constabulary

(Agenda item 7)

Following a formal inspection of the Royal Parks Constabulary (RPC) in September 2000 recommendations made included the need to ensure accountability of the constabulary to a properly constituted police authority. Subsequently, the Chief Executive of the Royal Parks Agency approached the MPS and agreed to develop a costed business plan outlining the service which could be provided.

The Authority received a report that considered the proposal to amalgamate the RPC within the MPS as a ring fenced operational command unit.

Members supported the recommendations in the report and requested that the further more detailed report to be considered at a future meeting, include staffing implications and full financial details of the proposed amalgamation.

Resolved – That

1. Members note the report; and
2. a further, more detailed, report be presented to a future meeting of the Authority

136. Virdi Inquiry – MPS response and action plan

(Agenda item 8)

The Authority considered a report that set out the initial response and action proposed by the MPS to the recommendations made in the Virdi report.
Members welcomed the fact that Mr Virdi was now back at work, and agreed that further progress be monitored by the MPA through the committees as reported to the Authority meeting on 28 February 2002.

It was also agreed that the Authority receive a report on these issues and the lessons learnt by the process in six months time

Resolved – That

1. Members note the initial response from the MPS;
2. Members endorse the proposal that a further progress be reported to and monitored by the relevant MPA committees; and
3. Members specifically note the progress in respect of recommendation 15 of the inquiry report.
4. a progress report be presented to the Authority in six months time.

137. Treasury management strategy 2002/03

(Agenda item 9)

At its meeting on 21 February 2002 the Finance, Planning and Best Value (FPBV) Committee considered a report on the Treasury Management Strategy.

The FPBV Committee now referred the recommendations relating to the introduction of a new code of practice and proposed borrowing limits to the Authority for consideration.

Resolved – That the Authority adopt recommendations 2 and 3 outlined within the Appendix 1 of the report relating to the code of practice and proposed borrowing limits.

138. Youth Crime Prevention Initiatives 2002/03

(Agenda 10)

The Authority considered a report that informed of the MPS proposal for a new objective relating to the reduction of youth involvement in crime for 2002/03.

The report also clarified the developmental work by the MPS on the establishment of a database of potential offenders.

Members referred to many of the comments given during the Commissioner’s up date on Operation Safer Streets. Members suggested that young people would want reassurance relating to how the information was to be used regarding the data base of potential offenders. Members also highlight the importance of working with partners on other issues such as privacy and the potential for perceived stigmatisation.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

139. Christmas anti drink and drive campaign

(Agenda item 11)

Members received a report that gave details of the outcome of the MPS Christmas 2001 anti- drink drive campaign. The report informed members that in comparison with performance in 2000 the campaign had been more effective, in part because it had been intelligence led.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

141. Exclusion of press and public

(Agenda item 12)

Resolved -

That the press and public be asked to leave the meeting during discussion of the remaining item of business because exempt information as defined in paragraph 14 of Part I Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 is likely to be made known.

140. Presentation on MPS anti-terrorism work

(Agenda item 13)

The Authority received a presentation on the MPS anti-terrorism work.

The presentation gave details of the MPS on going police operation following the September 11 attacks in the United States including the financial implications and intelligence gathering. 

Resolved – That the presentation be received.

The meeting closed at 1.50 p.m.

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